Child Access Prevention in Indiana

Last updated October 11, 2018.

Indiana provides that a child’s parent or legal guardian commits the crime of “dangerous control of a child” if he or she knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly permits the child (defined as a person under age 18;1 ) to possess a firearm, either:

While aware of a substantial risk that the child will use the firearm to commit a felony; and

While failing to make reasonable efforts to prevent the use of a firearm by the child to commit a felony; or

When the child has been convicted of a crime of violence or has been adjudicated as a juvenile for an offense that would constitute a crime of violence if the child were an adult;2

In addition, an adult who knowingly or intentionally provides a firearm to a child for any purpose other than those specified3 commits “dangerous control of a firearm,” a Class C felony.4

A child who knowingly or intentionally provides a firearm to another child with or without remuneration for any purpose other than those described in section 35-47-10-1, with or without remuneration, commits “dangerous possession of a firearm,” a Class A misdemeanor.5

Firearms in youth camps must be locked in cabinets or buildings.6 Caregivers in child care homes must keep all ammunition and firearms in a locked area inaccessible to children whenever children are present.7 Providers at certain child care facilities must ensure that firearms and ammunition are secured in a locked area, by key or combination, where children cannot gain access.8 A provider of child care services is ineligible to receive voucher payments if it operates a facility where firearms, ammunition, or other weapons are stored in a place that is accessible to children.9